Made to Last Forever: A Family. A House. A Nation by Grandezza’s own Sharmin Fairbanks McKenny recently received the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, Inc. (FAPA) President’s Book Silver Award in the Historical Fiction category.
The prestigious international award recognizes excellence in publishing, creativity, design, content, and production quality. It was judged by librarians, educators, and publishing professionals.
Made to Last Forever is a compelling biographical historical novel that traces the legacy of the Fairbanks family, whose story spans from the Plague and persecution in 17th-century England through early colonial Massachusetts. Rich in historical detail, intrigue, and emotion, the novel explores the hardships of early colonial life and the complexities of family. The struggles and the choices the family made in the face of uncertainty continue to resonate with readers today.
The Fairbanks family built the 1637 timber-frame house in Dedham, Massachusetts—the oldest timber-frame house in North America and today an Historic Landmark. Jonas, the third son of Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks, worked at the Saugus Iron Works in 1651 through 1652. Then known as Hammersmith, it was the first successful ironworks in the American colonies.
The book offers timely opportunities for historical programming as the USA and New England prepare to commemorate significant 400th anniversaries, including the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629–1630, Dedham’s upcoming 400th anniversary in 2036, and the 400th anniversary of the Fairbanks House in 2037.
Sharmin’s book is available through Amazon, Ingram Content, the Fairbanks House Museum gift shop, Dedham Museum & Archive, Blue Bunny Bookstore and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. For more information feel free to contact: [email protected] or FairbanksHistory.com/media/page
